Common Causes of House Fires in Ireland and How to Prevent Them

By Jim Flannery ACII, Brand Ambassador, OMC Claims. Over 40 years in insurance claims and a founding member of the Irish Claims Consultants Association.

A house fire is one of the most devastating things a household can face, and most of them begin with something ordinary. Understanding what actually causes fires in Irish homes, and the small steps that prevent them, protects your family and your property. It can also matter for insurance where a policy contains specific warranties or conditions, which is why it pays to know what your own policy requires. If the worst has already happened, you can get support with your fire damage claim from OMC Claims.

Below are the most common causes of domestic fires in Ireland, with practical prevention for each, followed by why good maintenance supports a stronger claim and what to do if a fire does break out.

Electrical faults

Overloaded circuits, faulty appliances and damaged wiring are a frequent cause of fire, especially in older homes with outdated electrical systems.

• Avoid overloading sockets or daisy-chaining extension leads.
• Have wiring inspected by a qualified electrician roughly every ten years, more often in older homes.
• Replace frayed or worn cords and avoid DIY work on electrical systems.
• Switch off and unplug devices when they are not in use, especially overnight.

Cooking accidents

Kitchen fires, often from unattended cooking or overheating oil, account for a large share of house fires in Ireland. Grease fires escalate fast and are dangerous to fight incorrectly.

• Never leave cooking unattended, even briefly.
• Keep tea towels, curtains and paper away from hobs and ovens.
• Keep a fire blanket and extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Never pour water on an oil fire. Turn off the heat and smother it with a lid or fire blanket.

Chimney and solid-fuel stove fires

In homes with open fires or solid-fuel stoves, chimney fires are a serious risk. Soot and creosote build up in the flue and can ignite, spreading to the attic or roof space.

• Have the chimney professionally swept once a year, more if it is in daily use.
• Burn only seasoned, dry wood, never damp logs, treated timber or turf.
• Use a fireguard and never leave an open fire unattended.
• Check flues and flue liners for cracks regularly.
• Never put hot ashes into a wheelie bin. Leave them in a metal container for 24 hours.

Chimney fires are common enough, and distinct enough, to deserve their own guide. See our page on claiming on home insurance for a chimney fire for the detail.

Portable heaters and electric blankets

In colder months, portable heaters and electric blankets are widely used, and both can start fires if left unattended or used incorrectly.

• Keep heaters at least a metre from furniture, curtains and bedding.
• Never cover a heater or place it near anything flammable.
• Check electric blankets for wear, fraying or hot spots.
• Always switch heaters and blankets off before sleeping or leaving the house.

Smoking indoors

Less common than it was, but still one of the most lethal causes of house fires, particularly where a cigarette is left burning near soft furnishings or a bed.

• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy.
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and make sure cigarettes are fully out.
• Keep lighters and matches away from children.
• Smoke outdoors where you can, and dispose of butts in a fire-safe bin.

Candles and open flames

Candles, tealights and incense burners seem harmless, but left unattended they readily ignite curtains, furniture or anything nearby.

• Place candles on heatproof, stable surfaces.
• Keep them away from pets, children and anything that can burn.
• Never leave a room with a candle still lit.
• Consider battery-powered LED candles as a safer alternative.

Overheating batteries and thermal runaway

An increasingly common cause is thermal runaway, a chain reaction when rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, in e-scooters, electric bikes, laptops, Christmas lights and children’s toys, can overheat while charging. A faulty, damaged or overcharged battery can heat rapidly, self combust or ignite nearby materials, and these fires spread fast.

• Use the manufacturer’s recommended charger. Cheap third-party chargers can overheat batteries.
• Avoid charging devices overnight or unattended.
• Do not charge e-scooters, laptops or toys near soft furnishings.
• Inspect batteries for swelling or damage and dispose of them safely if in doubt.
• Charge on hard, non-flammable surfaces, away from direct sunlight.

Why prevention also supports a stronger claim

It is vital to comply with any relevant policy conditions or warranties as any failure to comply that results in a loss may result in the claim being declined. Taking preventative steps, and keeping records of them such as inspection reports and chimney sweep receipts, strengthens your position if a fire does occur.

What to do if a fire breaks out

If a fire does start, your response shapes both your safety and how smoothly any claim runs:

• Get out and call for help. Evacuate everyone, dial 112 or 999, and only shut off power or gas if you can do so without risk. Never re-enter once you are out.
• Document the damage. Once the property is declared safe, take dated photos and video of all damage and keep everything until it is assessed.
• Contact your insurer promptly. Report within 24 to 48 hours, give an overview of what happened, and record all communications. Do not agree to any settlement or repairs until the full damage is assessed.
• Get expert help. A loss assessor works for you, assessing the full scope and cost of fire and smoke damage repairs/replacement, preparing the claim and negotiating with your insurer.

For the full process, see our step-by-step guide on claiming on home insurance after fire damage.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common causes of house fires in Ireland?
Electrical faults, cooking accidents, chimney fires, unattended candles, smoking indoors, and the misuse of portable heaters or electric blankets. Overheating lithium-ion batteries are a fast-growing cause. Most are preventable with maintenance and safer habits.

Does home insurance cover fire damage in Ireland?
Yes, most standard policies cover accidental fire damage to the structure and contents of the home. A claim can be refused if the fire was caused by a failure to comply with any warranties e.g. periodic electrical inspections or chimney cleaning requirements.

What should I do immediately after a fire in my home?
Prioritise safety: evacuate, call emergency services, and wait for clearance to re-enter. Once safe, document all the damage, contact your insurer, and consider professional support from a loss assessor.

Can I make a claim if the fire was caused by a faulty appliance?
Usually yes, if the fire was accidental and the appliance was in normal use. The insurer may check whether it was faulty or subject to a safety recall, so documentation helps. Depending on its age, it may be possible to seek a recovery from the manufacturer or supplier.

How do I prove what was lost in a house fire?
Photograph all the damaged areas and build a room-by-room list of contents with estimated values and any receipts. A loss assessors report and any professional assessment will also support the claim.

Why should I use a loss assessor for a fire damage claim?
A loss assessor works only for you, not the insurer. They assess the full scope of the damage, prepare and value the claim, and negotiate the settlement, which tends to make the process more accurate and less stressful.

House fires usually start from small, and sometimes avoidable things. Understanding the causes and acting on them reduces your risk, and good maintenance records help if you ever do need to claim. If fire damage does occur, taking the right steps quickly makes all the difference.

About OMC Claims

OMC Claims (Owens McCarthy Ltd) is Ireland’s largest independent firm of loss assessors, acting only for policyholders, never for insurers. We provide nationwide coverage, with loss assessors serving Dublin, Cork, Limerick and every other county in Ireland. Part of the Fexco group and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (Registration Number C-46734), our team brings over 250 years of combined claims experience and handles more than 2,000 home and business claims a year, from straightforward domestic losses to large and complex commercial claims. We assess the damage, prepare and value your claim, and negotiate with your insurer to work to secure the settlement you are entitled to.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and aims to provide an overview of common causes of house fires and how to prevent them. It does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. For guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult a claims professional or your insurance broker/provider.